Chin Surgery in Jacksonville, FL

What is Chin Surgery?

Chin Surgery is a form of jaw surgery which involves the front portion of the lower jaw. Chin Surgery can make one of the most striking cosmetic facial changes. Chin surgery may be for Chin Augmentation in the case of a receding or small chin. A receding chin is usually due to the underdevelopment of the lower face and jaw. This is frequently a genetic condition and may be seen in other family members. Chin Reduction may be performed for a chin that is too prominent. Genioplasty chin surgery and the use of chin implants are the most common procedures.

In addition to complimenting the profile, chin surgery or chin augmentation can also tighten and enhance the sagging skin or fatty tissues in the neck. Along with chin surgery minor neck liposuction may also enhance the chin and address fatty or sagging neck skin.

All before and after photos are displayed with the consent of the individuals depicted.

Chin Surgery

Chin Surgery which is a type of jaw surgery involves treatment to the front portion of the lower jaw. Chin Surgery may involve the use of an anatomic chin implant or procedures such as genioplasty or mentoplasty. These various types of chin surgery procedures are described and illustrated below. Chin Surgery can make one of the most striking cosmetic facial changes. A receding chin is usually due to the underdevelopment of the lower face and jaw. This is frequently a genetic condition and may be seen in other family members. Chin Surgery may include Chin Augmentation for the receding or small chin or Chin Reduction for a chin that is too prominent.

In addition to complimenting the profile, chin surgery or chin augmentation can also tighten and enhance the sagging skin or fatty tissues in the neck. Along with chin surgery minor neck liposuction may also enhance the chin and address fatty or sagging neck skin.

Chin Implants

The simplest approach to chin augmentation is the placement of a chin implant. This operation takes about 45 minutes and is performed in the office with IV sedation. It requires a 5-10 day recovery. New technology in biomaterials has shown silicone implants to be very successful and extremely well tolerated by the body. The new anatomic chin implants are natural feeling and follow the contours of the normal jaw line. They come in many shapes and sizes to fit the anatomy and esthetics of each patient.

The implants can be placed through an incision inside the mouth avoiding a scar on the face. After chin surgery, the patient will experience minor swelling, bruising and temporary numbness of the lower lip. These conditions usually resolve over 1-2 weeks.

Sliding Genioplasty

An additional way of moving a chin forward or backward is called a Sliding Genioplasty. This procedure is performed from an incision inside the mouth below the lower lip. The sliding genioplasty is used in more severe cases or in cases where the chin needs to be lengthened or moved backward. Dr. Joseph makes an incision inside the lower lip. The actual bony chin portion of the jaw is then cut and advanced or moved back. This segment is then secured with a tiny bone screw or wire. This may require outpatient general anesthesia. You may return to normal activities within 5-10 days.

The photograph below shows a model of a sliding genioplasty. The Sliding Genioplasty advances the patient’s actual chin by moving the lower portion of the jaw.

Chin Asymmetry

Some patients have crooked chins that are not lined up with the normal facial structures. The chin may be off to one side giving the face an asymmetric appearance. This can be corrected or improved by moving the chin tip to the left or right with a sliding genioplasty.

Mandibular Angle Implants

Many patients are deficient in the lateral (side) portion of the jaw. This gives them a weak jawline. Mandibular angle implants can provide a more square, contoured or chiseled appearance of the lower face and jawline.

Before and After Photographs of Chin Augmentations

Please note that these pre and post-operative photos are displayed with the consent of the individuals depicted.

Select a patient below to view more detailed pictures and information about the chin surgery procedures performed by Dr. Joseph.